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Electric vehicles (EVs) make up an integral part of the UK government’s plan to reach net zero emissions. The Accelerating to Zero coalition proposes to ensure that all new car and van sales reach zero emissions globally by 2040.

Yet despite major investments to improve the accessibility of EVs, nearly a third of all public charging points in the UK are located in London. Put simply, the UK needs more EV charging points to accommodate the drivers making the switch.

However, drivers in the UK simply can’t be convinced that this is an achievable goal. Whether you’re a seasoned Tesla driver or you’re thinking of swapping over from a diesel vehicle, it’s important to know the facts.

Do we need more EV charging points?

The current rate of EV ownership compared to charging point availability raises concerns for some motorists. Even though it’s possible to find tens of thousands of charging points across the UK, most of these are located in southern areas and throughout London.

Additionally, charging point availability in tourist spots is an issue of increasing concern. Popular holiday areas like Cornwall and the Lake District do not have enough charging points to accommodate the thousands of visitors flocking there, with most being held by private owners.

Are there enough EV charging points to meet government initiatives?

According to a survey of over 1,200 electric vehicle owners by What Car?, only a quarter of buyers would happily own an electric car if public charging points were all they could use. This highlights the importance of access to private charging points and funding for the increased availability of public ones too.

The government aims to provide at least 300,000 charging points in the UK by 2030. However, the latest vehicle licensing data suggests that EVs are being produced at a faster rate than the present number of charging points can handle.

With plug-in hybrids and battery-powered electric vehicles included, there were at least a million electric vehicles already registered in the UK by September 2022.

What can the government do to help?

New regulations need to be supplied to local authorities to bolster the government’s plans to make more charging points available. If these are rejected or otherwise turned down, new incentives should make councils aware of the benefits that can be brought to an area by attracting visitors and residents who drive an EV.

In addition, private companies in the renewable energy sector should be given support to ensure that their initiatives can meet and exceed expectations. For example, obtaining renewable energy insurance could help underpin operations for electric vehicle charging networks and startups.

On the bright side, new homes are required to have an EV charging point which will help future homeowners transition to EVs. In the meantime, older homes might look to hiring contractors to install a charger, which should help to create more jobs and increase the demand for building materials.

Concluding thoughts…

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular among drivers in the UK, but the current supply of charging points is insufficient ­– particularly outside of the London. To head towards an emission-free future, the government needs to respond to this demand urgently and make EV vehicles – and charging points – more accessible.

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